Shui Xian Premium Oolong tea

Shui Xian – Water Immortal Rock Oolong (水仙)

Classic Wuyi Yancha with Orchid Fragrance and Mineral Depth

A deep and graceful oolong from the misty cliffs of Wuyi.

Shui Xian Oolong Tea (水仙), meaning Water Immortal or Narcissus, is a time-honored Wuyi Rock Tea (Yancha, 岩茶) grown in the stone-lined valleys of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, China. One of the oldest cliff teas in Chinese tea culture, Shui Xian is prized for its orchid aroma, smooth roasted body, and deeply grounding energy.

This traditional oolong offers a unique balance of floral elegance and mineral warmth, making it both comforting and refined. Its name evokes Daoist immortality, and its flavor speaks of ancient stone, misty cliffs, and fragrant spring air.

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: Shui Xian Oolong: The Dark Orchid of Wuyi Mountain

Why You’ll Love Shui Xian Oolong

• A classic Yancha with rich floral aroma and roasted smoothness
• Offers comfort, grounding, and elegance in every sip
• Orchid fragrance with notes of dried fruit, bark, and stone
• Ideal for both daily meditation and long aging
• A foundational tea in traditional Gongfu Cha

Tasting Notes

• Fragrance of orchid, narcissus, and honeyed wood
• Smooth roasted body with deep mineral warmth
• Hints of dried fruit and sweet bark
• Long, mellow aftertaste with floral clarity

Tea Profile

• Type: Wuyi Rock Oolong (Yancha, 岩茶)
• Cultivar: Shui Xian (水仙, “Water Immortal”)
• Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China
• Elevation: 600–900 meters
• Harvest: Spring flush
• Craftsmanship: Medium oxidation and charcoal roasting
• Appearance: Dark twisted leaves with red-brown hues; amber-bronze liquor
• Collected: 2025

Traditional Processing

Shui Xian is made using ancestral Wuyi techniques that develop its round, calming character:

1. Plucking – 3–4 mature leaves from old, sturdy bushes
2. Withering – Sun-dried and indoor cooled
3. Oxidation – Light to medium (30–50%) for floral–earth balance
4. Fixation & Rolling – Gently pan-fired and hand-rolled
5. Roasting – Slow charcoal roasting in stages to build depth and soften edges

The result is a tea of quiet warmth and enduring strength—perfect for aging or thoughtful sessions.

Health Benefits

Shui Xian is known for its gentle energy and harmonizing nature:

• Aids digestion and internal circulation
• Promotes calm alertness and mental clarity
• Rich in antioxidants, minerals, and traditional warmth
• Supports spleen and stomach Qi in traditional Chinese medicine

Brewing Instructions

Gongfu Method (5 oz / 150 ml)

• Tea amount: 6–7 grams
• Water temperature: 95–100°C / 203–212°F
• Rinse: 5 seconds
• Infusion times:
• 1st: 15 sec
• 2nd: 20 sec
• 3rd–6th: 25–45 sec, increasing gradually
• Tip: Best in Yixing clay or thick porcelain to capture mineral depth

Cup Method (8.8 oz / 250 ml)

• Tea amount: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength.
• Water temperature: 95°C / 203°F
• Steep time: 2.5–3 minutes
• Re-steep: 2–3 times
• Note: For a lighter floral profile, use shorter steep times and enjoy the rising aroma

Cultural Significance

Shui Xian is one of the most widely respected Wuyi oolongs, with centuries of cultivation behind it. Its name, “Water Immortal,” echoes the Daoist legends of transcendence and longevity, linking the tea to spiritual refinement and peaceful energy.

It was one of the earliest oolong teas exported to Europe and remains a pillar of Gongfu Cha tradition today. Appreciated by connoisseurs and newcomers alike, Shui Xian delivers strength without aggression, depth without heaviness, and elegance born from stone.